The Fall of Hongyun

The clamor of battle at Blackwater Bay shook the heavens and earth. Qin Yuan, grievously wounded by a spear strike from Ao Cang, was sent flying backward when the sea surface suddenly erupted into towering waves—not the water currents driven by Ji Meng, but a far more vast and majestic demonic force that forcibly suppressed the Dragon Clan's draconic might by three parts.

"Ao Cang, do not harm my Demon Race comrade!"

A clear and steady voice pierced through the chaos of war. A figure clad in a blue robe, with a refined and scholarly countenance, strode across the waves, faint spiritual light swirling around him. Behind him followed several thousand elite Demon Race warriors with condensed auras, led by several Demon Generals at the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal level. Bai Ze held a feather fan in his hand, its surface painted with the geography of the Primordial World's mountains and rivers. With every fanning motion, invisible currents of air spread outward, completely dissolving the lingering draconic might around Qin Yuan.

These were the true elites of the Demon Race, veterans long hardened in battle against the Wu Race and the Anti-Demon Alliance—far superior to the rabble Ji Meng had hastily scraped together! It had long been rumored that the Demon Race still harbored a powerful army, the very one that had fought the first Witch-Demon War against the Wu Race. That army had vanished after the great conflict, and now it seemed the small squad behind Bai Ze had emerged from that legendary force!

A flicker of surprise passed through Ao Cang's eyes. The Demon Race hadn't even deployed this force against the Anti-Demon Alliance, yet now they chose to reveal this long-hidden army!

As for claims of insufficient Demon Race troops, that was pure nonsense—only the fools of the Anti-Demon Alliance, those Asura, would believe it. The Demon Race numbered in the countless trillions; how could they lack soldiers?

But Ao Cang did not call him out. His Sea-Splitting Spear pointed straight at the blue-robed figure. "So it's the Demon Saint Bai Ze. The Demon Race has even mobilized you. If Eastern Emperor Taiyi sits alone guarding the Blood Sea, and Brahma leads the Anti-Demon Alliance in a surprise attack, won't your front lines collapse entirely?"

Bai Ze gently waved his feather fan, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield. Ji Meng had already taken the chance to retreat from the Water God Mansion's barrier, supporting the severely wounded Qin Yuan as he moved behind him. "The Blood Sea defense line is as solid as iron. His Highness Taiyi is more than capable of handling a brute like Brahma. As for Blackwater Bay, it is of utmost importance to your Human and Dragon Races. If your allied forces were to breach it, it would only add a major calamity to my Demon Race." His tone was calm, yet carried an unshakable confidence. "Besides, when did I ever say I only brought these troops?"

The moment the words fell, demonic aura surged violently between heaven and earth. Countless Demon Race warships emerged from all directions on the sea surface, their sails emblazoned with the totem of the Three-legged Golden Crow—these were the Blood Sea elites secretly diverted by Eastern Emperor Taiyi. Two more terrifying presences descended from the void: the other two Quasi-Sages stationed at the Blood Sea—Shang Yang and Ghost Chariot. Shang Yang trod upon auspicious clouds, his wings spread as if to blot out the sky; Ghost Chariot had transformed into a ten-headed great bird, its body shrouded in chilling deathly aura. The two Quasi-Sages joined Bai Ze, Ji Meng, and Qin Yuan, instantly forming a five-Quasi-Sage standoff.

The three Dragon Clan Quasi-Sages wore grim expressions. Ao Cang spoke in a deep voice, "Bai Ze, are you truly determined to fight a decisive battle with our Human-Dragon allied forces? What benefit does provoking this war bring you? Aren't you afraid of stirring up trouble in the favorable situation you've painstakingly created by trapping the Anti-Demon Alliance at the Blood Sea?"

"Not at all." Bai Ze shook his head with a light laugh. "But the Calamity is approaching. Every race has its choices, and the Blood Sea will not fall. Brahma thinks he has the upper hand, but little does he know that every move he makes has long been within my calculations." He pointed his feather fan toward the Human Race warships. "Your Human Race allying with the Dragon Clan is the true threat to my race. I had only intended to probe, but it seems the Human Race is indeed a greater menace than the Anti-Demon Alliance!"

"Hmph! As expected of the Demon Race's Wisdom Saint! With just a few words, you paint my Human Race and the Dragon Clan as your enemies. Since birth, my Human Race has befriended all races, loved peace, and only wished to trade with them. But you? You've provoked us time and again, and this time you've even extended your hand to our borders. By your logic, are we not allowed to resist? Is resistance a threat to your Demon Race?"

At that moment, Jiang He descended from the Human Race warship and shot back at Bai Ze.

Bai Ze cast a sidelong glance at Jiang He, a smirk forming in his heart. When has your Human Race ever been as innocent as you claim? Take a look at your warehouses full of Demon Cores, and then tell me you're no threat!

"Daoist Jiang He! I know exactly who you are. Let's lay our cards on the table. You say my Demon Race targets you? Then why don't you take a good look at whether your Human Race is truly so blameless? We're all clever people—don't make me spell it out!"

Jiang He cursed inwardly, This old fox has no sense of honor! He wants to expose my secrets! Over the years, the Human Race was no longer the meek little lamb it once was. The surrounding demon tribes had been completely ravaged!

But then again, I can do it, but you can't say it! Empress Nuwa already scolded me for it, and I was just about to change—but you won't give me the chance!

"Daoist Bai Ze, what are you saying? My Human Race has no ambition to vie for supremacy in the Primordial World like your Demon Race. As long as the Holy Mother is with us, we fear no threat. So there's no need for us to expand or conquer. We only want to trade in peace!" Jiang He's words were clear: I don't want to fight you for the Primordial World. I have no ambition! But don't provoke me either—I have a big shot backing me! I just want to make some money!

Bai Ze was momentarily choked by Jiang He's words. So when you can't win an argument, you bring out a Sage to suppress me? Fine, you win. Having a Sage in the family means you can do whatever you want!

"Very well. Today, let's each take a step back. Let this be the boundary—no further encroachment!" Bai Ze said after much deliberation.

He decided it was best not to provoke the Human Race for now. Jiang He had a point: there was no need for him to seek hegemony when he had a Sage at home. Even if the Demon Race ruled the world, they wouldn't dare touch the Human Race! Better to use this opportunity to tie the Human Race down here.

That way, he could rid himself of this troublesome race and fully focus on the Blood Sea!

Jiang He, hearing Bai Ze's concession, had no intention of dragging things out further. After all, he hadn't planned on an all-out war. So he agreed: "The Human Race has no objections. The Dragon Clan is one with us, and their territory is ours. I hope the Demon Race will not cross this boundary again."

After both sides agreed, they left a portion of troops stationed there and withdrew the rest.

Meanwhile, as the situation at Blackwater Bay stabilized, Jiang He had already secretly mobilized the withdrawn Human Race forces, launching a silent purge. Bai Qi's Mysterious Armor Army cut like a blade into the scattered forces around Human Race territory—small tribes allied with the Demon Race, mountain spirits and monsters that had risen amid the chaos, or neutral cultivators wavering in their allegiance.

"By order of Clan Leader Jiang He, all who defy the Human Race covenant and secretly collude with the Demon Race shall be executed without mercy!" Bai Qi, his Iron Blood Spear stained with blood, led his soldiers as they swept through a demon lair nestled in the mountains. Though the cave housed a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal, it was no match for the battle-hardened Mysterious Armor Army. Within half an hour, it was completely annihilated, the lair set ablaze, and all demonic aura within a hundred miles eradicated.

Simultaneously, Human Race outposts across the region acted in unison, clearing out hidden threats with lightning speed. Those forces that had once eyed the Human Race hungrily were either directly wiped out, forced to relocate, or chose to submit. In just a few days, the threats surrounding Human Race territory were swept clean. The borders quietly expanded, and their strength grew ever more stable.

When Bai Ze received the news, he wasn't angered. Those demon tribes surviving in the cracks between the Human and Demon Races—neither obeying the Demon Race nor listening to the Human Race—would have been purged by the Demon Race sooner or later anyway!

Just then, a Jade Talisman imbued with gentle spiritual energy quietly appeared in Jiang He's hand. It carried the familiar aura of the Holy Mother—a message from Empress Nuwa. Jiang He lightly tapped it, and Nuwa's voice echoed in his mind: "Jiang He! The heavenly mechanism has shifted. The Calamity has arrived. The Human Race should not be overly entangled in conflict right now. Withdraw as soon as possible, stabilize yourselves—that is the best course."

"Mother Goddess, rest assured. Your child understands." Jiang He's heart tightened. Empress Nuwa's message confirmed his own judgment. "The Human Race has already cleared the surrounding forces. We will contract our battle lines and focus on development."

The Jade Talisman dissolved into specks of light. Just as Jiang He was about to deploy the next steps, another Communication Ring suddenly vibrated, bringing an urgent report from a Human Race scout: "My Lord! Traces of Hongyun have been found at the East Sea coast, but he is under siege by several peak Quasi-Sages! The situation is critical!"

Jiang He's heart jolted. Here it comes! So Hongyun is the one to trigger this Calamity!

At the East Sea Coast

Hongyun, clad in bloodstained red robes, was surrounded by several terrifying auras, the Primordial Violet Qi swirling around him. Old Ancestor Minghe wielded the Yuantu Abi Twin Swords, their sword qi icy cold, his blood-red pupils filled with greed. Eastern Emperor Taiyi had somehow slipped away from the Blood Sea defense line, the Chaos Bell suspended in midair, its chime deafening. Di Jun, clad in Golden Crow battle armor, blazed with flames, forming a pincer with Eastern Emperor Taiyi. A shadow lurked in the void—Kunpeng, who had not been seen for a long time, his body radiating towering Sha Qi, clearly here for revenge and the Primordial Violet Qi.

Four peak Quasi-Sages besieging one man. Though Hongyun's cultivation was profound, he could barely hold on. His fly whisk had long since snapped, and his honest face was filled with grim resolve. The Primordial Violet Qi formed a protective barrier around him, but it was already riddled with cracks. "Minghe, Taiyi, Di Jun, Kunpeng... For the Primordial Violet Qi, you would throw away all face!" Hongyun roared, burning his mana wildly.

"The Primordial Violet Qi belongs to the virtuous. Hongyun, your talent is mediocre. You possess a supreme treasure but lack the strength to guard it—you only invite disaster!" Minghe sneered, his twin swords striking together. Blood-red sword qi tore through the barrier, carving a wound deep enough to show bone on Hongyun's shoulder.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi shook the Chaos Bell, its sound waves crashing into Hongyun and sending his blood and qi into turmoil: "Back when you attended the lectures at Purple Cloud Palace, you should never have laid a hand on the Primordial Violet Qi. Today is your death day!"

Hongyun coughed blood, but his eyes held no fear—only a flash of carefree abandon. "The Great Dao is unjust! Forcing it is useless! If you want this Primordial Violet Qi, then come and take it!" He suddenly raised his head, a brilliant red light erupting from his body. The Primordial Violet Qi contracted sharply, drawn entirely into his being.

"No! He's going to self-destruct!" Kunpeng's face changed drastically as he turned to flee.

But it was too late. Hongyun's body exploded with a thunderous roar. A terrifying shockwave of energy swept in all directions, and the Primordial Violet Qi scattered in the blast, dissolving into specks of light that faded into the Primordial World. Though Minghe, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, Di Jun, and Kunpeng managed to defend themselves, they were heavily wounded by the blast's aftermath, each spitting out a mouthful of blood, their figures staggering.

At that moment, a streak of green light shot over—Zhenyuanzi, arriving at last. He stared at the ruins of Hongyun's self-destruction, grief filling his eyes. He waved his hand to set up a barrier, carefully collecting a faint remnant of Primordial Spirit lingering in the air. That wisp of spirit held Hongyun's final obsession; if not quickly enshrined, it would dissipate entirely.

Zhenyuanzi gazed at the vanishing figures, a chilling cold flashing in his eyes!